News

New Border Controls and the Impact on Yachting

The Schengen Area still allows yachts to move freely between Spain, France and Italy, but the situation is changing as several countries have reintroduced temporary internal border controls.

France currently has temporary border controls in place, including at its borders with Spain and Italy. This does not mean that yachts cannot enter or leave France, but it does mean that authorities can carry out checks on people travelling by land, sea or air.

Italy has introduced a new measure affecting travel from Spain, with targeted checks on non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by sea and air. This is particularly relevant to yachting because Spain and Italy are connected by major Mediterranean yacht routes.

For the yachting industry, the main impact is not a restriction on yacht movements themselves. Yachts can continue cruising between Spain, France and Italy. The greater concern is the movement of the people onboard, particularly non-EU crew and guests.

Crew changes therefore require more careful planning. Before a crew member travels, yacht managers and captains should verify their passport, visa or immigration status, Schengen entry date, remaining days and embarkation/disembarkation arrangements.

The key message for yacht operations is:

Schengen no longer automatically means "no border checks."

Yachts can continue to move around the Mediterranean, but captains, yacht managers and crew agencies should be prepared for possible immigration checks and ensure that all crew and passenger documentation is in order before moving between Spain, France and Italy.

For the 2026 yachting season, Spain–Italy movements and France's controls on its Spanish and Italian borders are areas that deserve particular attention when planning yacht itineraries and crew changes.

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France’s proposed ban on superyachts over 50 metres has sparked a major debate within the maritime industry, raising questions about the future of luxury yachting in the Mediterranean. While the proposal is driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce emissions, it also highlights the significant economic role played by the superyacht sector through employment, shipyards, suppliers, and local businesses.

Although the measure is not currently law, it has created uncertainty among yacht owners, crew, and industry professionals. The discussion reflects a wider challenge facing modern yachting: finding the right balance between environmental responsibility and preserving an industry that supports thousands of maritime careers.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of superyachts may depend less on restrictions and more on innovation, with cleaner propulsion systems, improved efficiency, and more sustainable operational practices shaping the next generation of large yachts.

Managing non-EU crew during EU shipyard periods has become increasingly complex due to inconsistent interpretation of Schengen Area regulations. While crew have traditionally been able to “stamp out” as seafarers and pause their Schengen time, this is no longer reliably accepted—particularly in countries such as Spain and Italy when vessels are in shipyards and not actively leaving EU waters.

As a result, non-EU crew may continue to accumulate Schengen days while onboard, creating risks of overstays and forcing captains into reactive crew rotations. In contrast, non-EU shipyard destinations like Turkey or Montenegro offer more predictable and yacht-friendly immigration frameworks.

The key takeaway is that crew immigration must now be treated as a critical part of shipyard planning. Proper documentation, early coordination with agents, and strategic choice of refit location are essential to avoid operational disruption.

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eSIMCrew is a game-changing solution for yacht crew who frequently travel between countries and need reliable, affordable data on the go. Developed by Megga Telecom, this app-based eSIM service eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, avoids expensive roaming charges, and simplifies staying connected across 150+ countries and 750+ networks. With regional plans, instant activation, and easy top-ups, eSIMCrew offers seamless internet access without contracts or queues — making it the perfect digital companion for crew life at sea.

At Donegan Polishing, Jason offers a premium yacht polishing service specializing in restoring and protecting surfaces with no shortcuts — just solid, long-lasting results. Based in Palma de Mallorca and fully mobile across Europe, Jason personally delivers services such as ceramic coatings, polymer sealants, premium wax applications, and scratch removal. His focus is on achieving a deep, reflective gloss that stands up against UV, salt, and regular washdowns. With an owner-led approach, high-quality products, and full insurance for European marinas, Donegan Polishing is the go-to choice for yacht owners who want professional results and lasting protection. Contact Jason directly for a tailored polishing solution that makes your vessel truly shine.